Many couples want to be remembered together, not just side by side but as one lasting tribute. A companion headstone is one of the most common ways families choose to do that, marking two plots with a single, shared memorial. If you’re considering this option for yourself, a spouse, or a family member, this guide explains what a companion headstone is, how it compares to two individual markers, and what to consider before you order one.
What is a companion headstone?
A companion headstone, sometimes called a double headstone or double monument, is a single memorial that marks two burial plots, usually for a married couple. Instead of two separate stones, one wider monument holds both names, dates, and often a shared inscription or symbol.
Companion headstones can be made in the same styles as individual memorials. Upright, slant, and flat designs are all options, just sized and laid out to accommodate two people instead of one. You can see the range of styles we work with on our Monuments, Headstones & Markers page.
Companion headstone vs. two individual headstones
Some families choose a single companion headstone. Others prefer two individual markers placed side by side. Neither is right or wrong; it comes down to what feels right for your family.
A companion headstone creates a unified look, with one design and often one shared inscription anchoring both names. Two individual headstones give each person their own space, which some families prefer when each person had distinct interests, symbols, or wording they wanted reflected. Our guide to different types of headstones covers the styles available if you’re weighing both options.
Design options for a companion headstone
Style
Upright monuments are the most common choice for companion headstones, since they offer the most space for two names, dates, and inscriptions. Slant and bevel styles can also work well for a companion design, while flat markers are sometimes used in cemetery sections that require them. Our post on different types of headstones explains how each style looks and where it tends to fit best.
Material
Granite, marble, and bronze are all options for a companion headstone, and the choice affects both the look and the long-term care it will need. Granite is the most popular choice for its durability, while bronze offers a distinct look often paired with a granite base. You can compare the options in our post on choosing the right material for a custom headstone.
Layout
A companion headstone can be laid out a few different ways. Some families choose a single shared design in the center with a name and dates on either side. Others prefer two matching individual panels within the same stone, each with its own inscription. A third option is a single wide inscription that reads across the whole memorial. Your memorialist can walk you through mockups of each layout before anything is finalized.
What to engrave on a companion headstone
Most companion headstones include both names and dates, along with a shared epitaph or a symbol that reflects the couple. Some families choose a phrase that speaks to their relationship; others prefer a religious or personal symbol centered between the two names. Our posts on choosing headstone inscriptions and headstone symbols and their meanings can help you think through the wording and imagery.
It’s also worth knowing that one side of a companion headstone is often left blank until it’s needed. That’s a routine part of how these memorials work, and the next section explains it.
How companion headstones work when one spouse passes first
It’s common for a companion headstone to be ordered with one name, set of dates, and inscription completed, while the other side is left blank until it’s needed. This lets a surviving spouse have the memorial in place without engraving information that isn’t yet known.
When the time comes, the second side is engraved to match the original design, keeping the whole memorial consistent. This is a routine request, and our post on adding a name to an existing headstone explains how that process works.
If you’re considering a companion headstone but aren’t sure how the blank-side process works for your situation, we’re happy to walk through it with you. Contact us, and we can talk through the details.
Cemetery rules for companion headstones in Connecticut and Rhode Island
Companion headstones are often larger than individual markers, which means cemetery size and foundation requirements matter even more here. Every cemetery sets its own rules, and some sections may limit the width or height of a companion monument, or require a specific foundation for a larger stone.
Before finalizing a design, it’s worth checking directly with the cemetery about what’s allowed for a companion memorial in your specific section. This is a step we can help you with as part of the design process.
Planning ahead as a couple
Some couples choose to order a companion headstone while both are still living, sometimes called pre-need planning. This lets you make the decisions together, from style to wording, rather than leaving those choices to a surviving spouse or family member during a difficult time. It’s a practical, thoughtful option, and there’s no wrong time to start that conversation.
How Buzzi Memorials can help
Choosing a companion headstone is a meaningful decision, and we’re here to help you think it through, from style and material to layout and engraving. We’ll help make sure the design works for both of you now and can be added to later if needed. You can see examples of our past work in our portfolio, and read more about who we are on our Our Story page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a companion headstone?
A companion headstone is a single memorial that marks two burial plots, usually for a married couple, with both names and dates on one stone rather than two separate markers.
Can a companion headstone be engraved for one spouse first?
Yes. Many companion headstones are ordered with one side completed and the other left blank, to be engraved later when it’s needed.
How is a companion headstone different from two separate headstones?
A companion headstone creates one unified memorial and design, while two individual headstones give each person their own separate marker. Both are common choices, and it comes down to family preference.
Can a companion headstone include a shared design or symbol?
Yes. Many couples choose a shared symbol, phrase, or design element centered between their individual names and dates.
Are there size restrictions for companion headstones in Connecticut or Rhode Island?
Often, yes. Companion headstones are typically larger than individual markers, and cemeteries may have specific size or foundation requirements for larger memorials. It’s best to check with the cemetery before finalizing a design.
Can you order a companion headstone before both spouses have passed?
Yes. Some couples choose to plan and order a companion headstone together in advance, a practice sometimes called pre-need planning.
Planning a companion headstone for you and your family?
We’re happy to help you think through the details, from design and material to what to engrave and when. There’s no pressure, and no question is too small.
Call us at 860-599-5909 or contact us online, and take a look at our portfolio for design inspiration.
